I refer to the Malaysiakini report Apco contract cost RM77 mil a year .

It is legitimate for the government to spend public money for legitimate requirements (If ever Pakatan Rakyat comes into federal power, it would also need to spend money on this and that).

The crux of the issue is this - purpose, accountability and transparency in relation to the spending.

Since certain members of Parliament (be they in the ruling coalition or opposition) have raised the matter, the government is duty-bound to promptly explain:

is there a real need for such services as rendered by Apco in the first place?

why the need to engage Apco?

in what specific and tangible ways did the country benefit from Apco's services?

did any political party benefit, or were their political interests advanced in any way, from Apco's services?

how was the award of the contract given, and by whom?

was the fee paid reasonable for the services rendered?

If the government can explain the above questions, and the querying MPs are more or less satisfied with the response, then there is nothing to be concerned about.

It only needs to deal with the remaining contentious issue of Apco's apparent link with Israel which is deemed not acceptable by certain parties (As an aside, there are certain Muslim-majority nations which have already recognised Israel years ago).

However, if the explanations fall short of public expectations, then there is likely to be adverse repercussions for the Umno-led Barisan Nasional government.